Fender AVRI '57 Strat, two-tone sunburst, made in USA 1996. The American Vintage series launched to wide acclaim in 1982: after a turbulent couple of decades, Fender were finally making instruments like they did in the 50s again. This gorgeous example dates to 1996, fifty years after the launch of Fender in 1946, so the headstock is wearing a little 50th-anniversary commemorative badge. It's in superb shape too: there's a bit of finish checking and some light rub wear around the body, but it looks more like a couple of years old than a couple of decades. The maple board is especially delightful, it's got some tasty checking and a deep golden syrup colouring, and the concentric grain patterns on the back are mesmerising. The neck is a moderate C style shape and feels very friendly, paired with the resonant body it makes for a lively and responsive playing experience. The tone on deck is sweet: thick creamy lows with a deep and complex midrange, rounded out with a crisp and clear top end... perfect Strat-spank goodness with heaps of weight behind the brightness. The two-tone finish is all class and shows off some high quality alder... all class. Our boy Leo sure knew a thing or two.

Model: Fender American Vintage '57 Stratocaster
Made: Corona USA, neck date May 1996 (serial V092193)
Finish: 2-tone sunburst (2TS), 1-ply white guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple with maple board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, vintage C profile, 43mm nut
Weight: 3.490kg
Mods: pickguard and back cover replaced, 5-way switch installed
Pickups: Fender American VIntage 57/62 single coil x3
Case: original Fender branded G&G tweed hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. The headstock has some minor marks on the end. The neck has some checking on the board most of the way up, rub wear on the edge of the board plus the back has a few minor dimples, it's clean and smooth in the hands. The back has no major marks, just some minor scuffs near the cavity and around the edge of the body. The sides have a few minor dimples on the top horn, elbow area and near the jack, no major marks. The front is pretty tidy, just a few scuffs near the jack, some dimples in the elbow area and some standard play wear on the guard and horn. Overall: excellent condition (9/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some minor wear, they're recently dressed and polished, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.